How To Make It In Korea Like A Seoulista!
Look, I’ll be honest. Living and working in Korea as a foreign woman or even a Korean American returnee is not exactly a walk in the park. Cultural differences, language barriers, and even the absence of the political correctness we’re so used to stateside are all deterrents to most Americans and other foreigners from jumping at the chance of living in Seoul, which in many respects is truly a great city.
I lived in Seoul from 2002 to 2007. That sounds like ancient history now, because the world has changed so much since then (or perhaps it’s just this year, and the answer depends upon who you talk to), but what I know for sure is Korea, as shapeshifting as that country may be, seems perennially rooted in a strong sense of national identity and culture, while constant modernizing and updating to be on par with the world’s best and brightest. And Korea’s pop culture is going viral almost everywhere in the world.
So this fall, along with my talented co-author Hana Yoo, I decided to pen a book that would really dive into the belly of the beast that is 21st century South Korea, but address an audience that was near and dear to our hearts: young, independent twenty-something and thirty-something women seeking to live and work abroad, and having fun doing it!
‘Seoul Sweet Seoul‘ is a collection of our observations and experience of South Korea as we lived it in our twenties, and is definitely a must-read for any Korea first-timers who want to make the most out of their Seoul experience. Every page of the book shows you how to get Korea like a pro: shopping, dining, getting along with co-workers, keeping up with the hottest Korean trends, and yes, even dating! We wanted to demystify Korea, that factory of K-pop and love triangle TV dramas, plastic surgery haven and trendsetter of Asia. If you’ve wondered which stereotypes of Korea were true, and which ones were just that — stereotypes — you’ll find out among our numerous tips.
So if you’re headed to Korea anytime soon, buy this book. It’s great as just a travel companion too. Don’t let Korea take you by surprise. Instead, plan to take Koreans by surprise, and I mean that in like a good way! They’ll be happy — not to mention lucky — to meet someone like you.
Check it out online:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/uaWiwE
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/v3yUKi
This is great Seoulista! Congrats on your book! Everyone should buy! 🙂
Thanks Jaymie! Props really go to Hana Yoo, my co-author, who approached me first about writing a book together. What I’ve learned from writing this book is that there’s almost a book, or an ebook, in every major life experience we have or had.
We also felt the needs of Asian American women abroad, especially in Asia, is surprisingly under-addressed. There’s more of us living and working in the Asia-Pacific region, so depending on the success of the book, we might be serializing the guidebook concept.
What better way to empower women? 🙂
This looks like a great guide from some cool girls who are natives to the city of Seoul!
Sounds great Seoul Sista!
Wow, thank you! As a Korean American I’ve always felt the duality of being at least two things, at least culturally, was something that needed to be addressed. While this is a practical guide for visitors to Seoul, it’s also a way for myself — as well as Hana — to say there’s always more than one way of looking at things.
You can go live or travel abroad but seal yourself from your new environment. Or you could open yourself up to new experiences, no matter how different they are, as well as new people, and come away transformed.
This book helps you navigate the latter, and dare I say, more rewarding decision.
this looks like such a fun read. would be funny to see some “sex in the city”-ish moments but in Korea, if that is even conceivable!
i’d love to buy this if it were in print either in hard or paper back (e-books aren’t my thing yet)
Lisa Pratt – Very cool picture. I just wntead to let you know that all my family, friends and co-workers absolutely love all of the pictures so far. You both are so talented. Have a great time in Seoul!!
Where can this be bought? Both links lead to no book found.